Police on lookout for DUIs

During the incoming 2012 New Year's holiday celebration, 25 people were killed in DUI-related collisions statewide.

The American Automobile Association cautions that the New Year's holiday period is the deadliest time to be on the road because of alcohol-related driving fatalities.

This problem on the roadways has caused San Bernardino County to adopt the state-driven "Avoid the 25" DUI campaign. It has kept authorities very active in December, said Ontario police Officer Natalie Kopperud.

The campaign is made up of 25 local law enforcement agencies cracking down on those driving under the influence.

Between Dec. 14 and Dec. 26, officers in the task force made 844 DUI arrests.

"Tragically, there was one death attributed to a drunk driver in our area reported by the sheriff's Hesperia station," Kopperud said. "And nine DUI-related injury collisions reported throughout the county."

Random sobriety checkpoints are planned in the the county looking for drivers under the influence.

The majority of those who died in the California Highway Patrol's jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

CHP officers made more than 1,200 DUI arrests, according to CHP officials in Sacramento.

To help ensure motorist safety, the CHP is preparing to ring in the new year with an increased enforcement presence statewide.

The CHP's New Year's maximum enforcement period began Friday and continues through Tuesday.

The increased enforcement effort follows the one that occurred during the Christmas holiday period.

During that 102-hour reporting period, 39 people were killed in collisions and CHP officers made 1,170 DUI arrests statewide.

There are ways to keep out of jail and stay alive while celebrating the incoming year.

The Automobile Club of Southern California is once again offering its "Tipsy Tow" service.

Tipsy Tow provides a complimentary ride and a vehicle tow for up to seven miles from the point of pickup for drivers who have consumed alcohol on New Year's Eve. It's available to members and non-members.

"Friends don't let friends drive drunk isn't just a slogan," said Inland CHP spokesman Mario Lopez. "It should be a way of life."

CHP officials are encouraging the public to report drivers suspected of being under the influence.

When calling 9-1-1 to report a suspected drunken driver, authorities ask that you provide a description of the vehicle, a license plate number, location and direction of travel.

"Our ultimate goal is to help prevent avoidable tragedy by encouraging the public to make responsible choices such as designating a sober driver, buckling up, and traveling at a speed safe for conditions," said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.